Easy Pesto Salmon with Crispy Breadcrumb Crust
This easy pesto salmon is a quick and healthy salmon dinner recipe featuring a crispy panko crust. Packed with flavor, it's perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 4 (4-5 ounce) skin-on salmon filets (about 1 pound salmon, or a large piece sliced into 4 filets)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free is okay)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 4 tablespoons pesto (divided)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- to taste Kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place it inside the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels.
- Mix breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Coat the salmon: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and drizzle a little olive oil on the foil. Place salmon filets skin-side down. Spread 3 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the top of the filets.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumbs over the pesto-coated salmon.
- Bake: Return the sheet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is firm and flakes easily with a fork. The breadcrumbs should be golden brown.
- Prepare the pesto drizzle: While the salmon bakes, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of pesto, 1 tablespoon olive oil, a dash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Serve: Plate the salmon and drizzle the pesto sauce over each filet. Enjoy your crispy salmon with breadcrumbs warm!